Chapter 25

I sat in the yard for a long time, staring off into the distance but not seeing anything. Lost in the maze of my own thoughts. Eventually, I found my way out of my reverie and stuck my head in the kitchen door.

"I'm going for a ride to clear my head."

I wasn't sure if Magda heard me. She sang under her breath as she mixed something in a bowl while simultaneously instructing Alice, who was doing something arcane to a chicken. Alice looked up and waved the large knife in her hand, before grabbing the unfortunate chook by one leg.

I saddled up the patient mare, put my foot in the stirrup, and once settled, we headed across the fields. My mind rioted with all that happened over the last day and night. We took out a nest, but still didn't understand the capabilities of a queen. Her whispered words gnawed at me. Need more, not enough yet.

What would the vermin be capable of, with Elizabeth in charge? Would she gather the more they needed and could we stop her? A shudder ran through my bo